CHARLES TOWN – Chances are, this year’s matchup between Spring Mills and Washington won’t end up like last year’s 75-point romp by the Patriots.

One of the biggest reasons is the Cardinals are a much-improved football team, which they proved in a season-opening loss to Jefferson. Despite losing by 20 points, Spring Mills showed promise, especially on the offense side where it managed three touchdowns and a field goal.

Spring Mills was most effective through the air, with quarterback Lane Riner throwing for 147 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals had 234 total yards, including 87 on the ground and two touchdowns.

The Cardinals are up against a Washington team that produced an impressive 38-18 win over Hedgesville. Washington coach Darryl Hayes described the Patriots’ running game, which pushed them to the win with 281 yards on 44 carries, as, “nothing razzle dazzle,” and, “it is what is is.”

What the running game was against Hedgesville was extremely effective. Washington scored four of its five touchdowns on the ground, with three different players scoring a rushing touchdown.

Last week the Cardinals allowed the Cougars to put up 232 yards and scored four times through the air.